How Would a Multicultural Workforce Affect Teamwork?

Essay by interstatemanUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, July 2006

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In the ever-changing field of communications, telecommunication companies have decided to expand its market to many cultures. Some of the business is global and involve many people from all lifestyles. This change presents a need to research the traditions, laws, restrictions, languages, and time differences. Many forms of communication must be utilized to ensure teamwork and daily operation of the business. Involving other cultures in the business will increase revenue and save money on the workforce. Many changes will be needed to prepare the employees and management to deal with the people from different cultural backgrounds.

How will communications be affected throughout the company?

Throughout the company, communication will be more technologically intense. Translation software will help with language differences. The internet, e-mail, instant messaging, telephone, and teleconferencing resource are useful forms of communication with employees spread all over the world. The normal forms of communication will still be used, face-to-face and travel for instant.

There will be a need to get used to a team member in another location. Coordinating times are paramount when there are time differences. "Some cultures also encourage significant sharing of one's personal life during business transactions. Such sharing may be difficult to accomplish effectively, and team members may feel uncomfortable sharing, when they do not meet in person." http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=357646

Before doing business with another country the business must understand the way the people of that country interprets our phrases and ways. Hiring bilingual individuals is helpful for interpretation. Managers may manage a person he or she has never met in person.

Who will be affected by the multicultural workforce?

The challenge posed by diversity is to accommodate different groups by addressing his or her lifestyles, values, and work style without compromising the goals and operations of the organization. The phrase "multicultural workforce" refers to...